nanoscale fasteners tagged posts

Membrane ‘nano-fasteners’ key to Next-Generation Fuel Cells

Schematic Diagram of the Fabrication of the Pillar P-SPAES Membrane and Its Working Principle of Interlocking Effects. Credit: Copyright KAIST

Schematic Diagram of the Fabrication of the Pillar P-SPAES Membrane and Its Working Principle of Interlocking Effects. Credit: Copyright KAIST

Scientists have developed a new way of making fuel cell membranes using nanoscale fasteners, paving the way for lower-cost, higher-efficiency and more easily manufactured fuel cells. The internal workings of fuel cells vary, but basically all types mix hydrogen and oxygen to produce a chemical reaction that delivers usable electricity and exhausts ordinary water as a by-product. One of the most efficient types is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, which operates at low enough temperatures to be used in homes and vehicles.

To generate electricity, PEM fuel cells rely on 2 chemical compartments separated by a permeable catalyst membrane...

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